Method and a machine for making a cell structure

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a method for making a cellular structure ( 1 ) comprising a plurality of elements ( 2 ), in which method a first plurality of elements ( 2 ) is provided that form a first row ( 3 ) of elements, and that furthermore a second plurality of elements ( 2 ) is provided that form a second row ( 4 ) of elements ( 2 ). The second row ( 4 ) is parallel to the first row ( 3 ) but displaced in phase in relation to this. An adhesive is applied to the elements ( 2 ) in at least one of the two rows ( 3, 4 ) and at least one of the two rows ( 3, 4 ) is brought closer to the other, so that the two rows are brought together and thereby bonded to one another by the adhesive. The invention also relates to a machine for executing the method according to the invention.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a method and a machine for making acell structure comprising a plurality of elements. The elements formingpart of the cell structure can consist of short tube pieces gluedfixedly to one another. A cell structure of this kind can be used forexample as part of a sandwich construction in building elements and inthis case promotes strength in combination with low weight.

PRIOR ART

A cell structure composed of a plurality of tubular elements is knownpreviously from U.S. Pat. No. 2,477,852, for example. The tubularelements are stated to be able to have a length from around ¼ inch to 2inches (6.4 mm to 51 mm) and a diameter from ¼ inch to 2 inches (6.4 mmto 51 mm). The tubular elements or tube pieces are stated to be able tobe joined to one another by applying adhesive, for example.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is to provide a method and a machine formaking a cell structure from a plurality of elements. Another object ofthe invention is to provide a method and a machine for making a cellstructure that permits automatic production with a high level ofproductivity and high operating reliability. A further object of theinvention is to provide a machine that can be adapted to the size of theelements forming part of the cell structure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The method according to the invention relates to production of acellular structure comprising a plurality of elements. The cellstructure that is produced by means of the method according to theinvention can be used for example as part of a sandwich construction inbuilding elements. According to the inventive method, a first pluralityof uniform elements (elements having the same shape) is provided, whichform a first row of elements. Furthermore, a second plurality of uniformelements is provided, which also have the same form as the elements inthe first plurality and which form a second row of elements. The secondrow suitably contains as many elements as the first row. The second rowis also preferably parallel to the first row, but preferably displacedin phase in relation to the first row. The term “displaced in phase” isunderstood here to mean that the second row is displaced by a certaindistance in its longitudinal direction in relation to the first row,which distance is less than the extension of one of the uniform elementsin the longitudinal direction of the two rows. An adhesive is applied tothe elements in at least one of the two rows and at least one of the tworows is brought closer to the other, so that the two rows are broughttogether and thereby bonded to one another by the adhesive. The two rowswill then thereby form a composite cell structure, which is then locatedin a first position. To add to the cell structure, a third plurality ofelements is then provided, which form a third row of elements. The thirdrow of elements is suitably parallel to the rows in the compositecellular structure. The cell structure already existing is moved acertain distance in the longitudinal direction of the first and secondrow of elements, so that the cellular structure is moved from the firstposition to a second position. An adhesive is applied to elements in atleast one of the second row and the third row. The adhesive can beapplied in this case either before, after or at the same time as thecellular structure is moved to the second position. The third row andthe cell structure can then be brought together with one another so thatthey are thereby bonded to one another by the adhesive. The third rowthereby becomes part of the cellular structure.

In the method according to the invention, it is the case that the secondplurality of elements is best supplied in that elements intended to formthe second plurality of elements are fed in a direction parallel to thefirst row of elements until a predetermined number of elements that forma second row parallel to the first is located in a predeterminedposition, so that the second row is complete. Bringing the elements inat least one of the two rows closer to the other then takes place afterthe second row has attained its predetermined position.

According to a particularly advantageous variant of the invention, thesecond plurality of elements is provided in that elements intended toform the second plurality of elements are fed from two opposingdirections. The two opposing directions are both parallel to the firstrow of elements and elements are transported until the elements fed inone direction meet elements transported in the opposing direction, andtogether with the elements transported from the other direction form asecond row of elements. Feeding from each direction can also beinterrupted after a predetermined number of elements has beentransported. Of course, it is the case with all embodiments that thefeed can be interrupted after a predetermined number of elements hasbeen transported. Bringing at least one of the two rows closer to theother takes place finally after the second row has been formed.

Interrupting the feed after a predetermined number of elements has beentransported can be achieved in the following manner, for example. Duringfeeding of the preferably circular-cylindrical elements, elements areallowed in both feed directions to pass a detector linked to a controlunit/logic unit. The logic unit senses how many circular-cylindricalelements pass the detector and after a predetermined number of elementshas passed, the control unit/logic unit emits a signal that the feed isto be interrupted.

It is preferably the case that all elements have the same shape and havea circular-cylindrical shape, so that the composite cell structureformed will consist of a plurality of cylinders that are joinedtogether, preferably glued.

Bringing together of the elements in the first and second row ofelements preferably takes place in that the elements in the second roware conveyed at the same time towards the first row, so that the wholeof the second row is conveyed towards the first row as a coherent unit.

When adhesive is applied to the elements in a row, this can best becarried out as follows. The adhesive is applied to the elements in thata carriage provided with at least one sensor and a nozzle connected to asource of adhesive is guided along the row at a predetermined speed. Thesensor is placed at a distance from the nozzle and detects the presenceor absence of an element. The sensor emits a signal to a logic unit whenthe presence of an element is detected and the logic unit can thencalculate, starting out from the known speed and the distance betweenthe nozzle and the carriage's sensor, the time that remains until thenozzle is located in a certain position in relation to an elementdetected by the sensor. The logic unit can then emit a pulse to activatethe nozzle when the time calculated has elapsed, so that adhesive isdispensed towards the preferably circular-cylindrical element when thenozzle passes it. Furthermore, it can thereby be ensured that adhesiveis applied to the correct part of the element.

The invention also relates to a machine for making a cell structurecomprising a plurality of elements. The machine according to theinvention comprises a guide with inner walls that are preferablystraight and form a channel in which a plurality of uniform elements canbe fed forwards. The channel can best be arranged to be fed from twodifferent directions.

Furthermore, the machine comprises one or more drives/driving devicesdisposed to act on elements placed in the channel to convey these in afirst direction, so that a coherent row of elements can be conveyedforwards in the channel. A carrier is arranged in connection with thechannel and the carrier has an extension that is principally parallel tothe first direction. The carrier is also movable in a second directionprincipally perpendicular to the first direction, so that the carriercan move in the second direction and in doing so take with it a coherentrow of elements that have been transported in the channel, so that therow is transported to an end position for the movement of the carrier inthe second direction. In an advantageous embodiment, the guide comprisestwo fixed parts and a movable part, the movable part of the guide beingarranged so that it can move in the vertical direction together with thecarrier from a first position, in which the movable guide part islocated in a plane separate from the working surface of the table, to asecond position in which at least part of the movable guide part islocated on a level with the working surface of the table. The movableguide part comprises a support on which elements for the cellularstructure can be placed, which support forms a floor in the channel, andthe support can be adjusted in the vertical direction so that elementsof different height can be placed in the correct position in relation tothe carrier. The machine is provided with at least one nozzle that isconnected to a source of adhesive. The nozzle is disposed to be movablein a direction parallel to the first direction and is either disposed toapply adhesive to a row of elements that have just been conveyed to theend position, or to apply adhesive to a row of elements before thesehave begun to be conveyed towards the end position by the carrier. Thenozzle can thus move along a coherent group of elements and applyadhesive to these.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one sensordisposed to detect the elements transported in the channel is located inconnection with the channel. The sensor is suitably linked to thedriving device in this case—for example via a logic unit—so that it ispossible to interrupt the transportation of elements when apredetermined number of elements has passed the sensor.

The machine according to the invention suitably comprises a table forreceiving a coherent row of elements, which table has a flat workingsurface on which the elements received can slide. The carrier isarranged in this case in such a way in relation to the table that themovement of the carrier up to the end position for its movement in thesecond direction can carry elements from the channel to the table fordelivery onto the working surface of the table. In a preferredembodiment, the table is movable in a direction perpendicular to thedirection of movement of the carrier and parallel to the firstdirection.

A plate or beam is suitably arranged in connection with the table, whichplate or beam is movable in a direction to and from the working surfaceof the table. It is thereby possible to correct any positional errors ofthe individual elements after two rows have been brought together.

The machine is preferably provided with a stand on which a carriage isarranged movably in connection with the working surface of the table. Onthe carriage, the nozzle is arranged so that on movement of thecarriage, the nozzle can be guided along a row of elements standing onthe working surface of the table. The carriage is provided in this casewith at least one sensor that can detect the presence of an elementplaced on the table. The sensor is placed at a distance from the nozzlein the direction of movement of the carriage. The carriage preferablyhas two sensors. The carriage can be driven at a predetermined speed andthe machine comprises a logic unit that knows the predetermined speedand the distance between the sensor and the nozzle of the carriage. Thelogic unit is also connected to the carriage's sensor, so that while thecarriage is moving the logic unit can calculate the time remainingbefore the nozzle is located in a certain position in relation to anelement detected by the sensor.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows, in perspective, a cell structure produced according to themethod according to the invention.

FIG. 2 shows diagrammatically and seen from above a cell structureproduced according to the method according to the invention.

FIG. 3 shows, in perspective, a building element containing a cellstructure produced according to the method according to the invention.

FIG. 4 shows diagrammatically, seen from above, the bringing together oftwo rows of circular-cylindrical elements during simultaneoustransportation of a further row.

FIG. 5 shows diagrammatically, seen from above, a further step in theproduction process.

FIG. 6 shows diagrammatically, seen from above, yet another step in theproduction process.

FIGS. 7-11 show diagrammatically and from a lateral perspective steps inthe production process corresponding to the steps shown in FIGS. 4-6.

FIG. 12 shows how adhesive can be applied to a row of elements.

FIG. 13 shows in greater detail a part of the finished cell structure inwhich the joining points have been marked.

FIG. 14 shows in perspective how circular-cylindrical elements are fedfrom one end of a machine according to the invention.

FIG. 15 shows in perspective another part of the machine according tothe invention.

FIG. 16 shows on a larger scale part of what is also shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 shows diagrammatically seen from above feeding of thecircular-cylindrical elements from one end of the machine.

FIG. 18 shows diagrammatically how the feeding of elements can becontrolled.

FIG. 19 shows a part of the feed channel in perspective.

FIG. 20 shows diagrammatically and seen from above a part of the feedchannel.

FIG. 21 shows diagrammatically the control of the nozzle for applyingadhesive.

FIGS. 22-24 show in perspective how the position of the elements can becorrected.

FIGS. 25 a and b show height adjustment for elements of varying height.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a composite cell structure 1, which is composed of aplurality of circular-cylindrical tube parts 2. FIG. 2 shows a cellstructure of this kind seen from above. Such a cell structure can beused for example as part of a sandwich construction in buildingelements. A building element that contains such a cell structure can beobtained by gluing boards, for example particle boards, to opposingsides of the cell structure. An example of such a building element isshown in FIG. 3, in which a cell structure 1 forms a layer in a buildingelement 23 that has been formed by gluing particle boards 24, forexample, firmly to opposing sides of the cell structure 1.

The invention shall now be explained with reference to FIGS. 4-6.According to the method according to the invention, a first plurality ofuniform elements 2 (elements that have the same shape) is provided,which form a first row 3 of elements. A second plurality of uniformelements 2 is also provided, which also have the same shape as theelements 2 in the first plurality and which form a second row 4 ofelements. The second row 4 suitably contains as many elements as thefirst row 3. The second row 4 is also preferably parallel to the firstrow 3, but preferably displaced in phase relative to the first row. Theterm “displaced in phase” is understood here to mean that the second row4 is displaced by a certain distance in its longitudinal direction inrelation to the first row 3, which distance is less than the extensionof one of the uniform elements 2 in the longitudinal direction of thetwo rows 3, 4. An adhesive is applied to the elements 2 in at least oneof the two rows 3, 4 and at least one of the two rows 3, 4 is broughtcloser to the other so that the two rows 3, 4 are brought together andthereby bonded to one another by the adhesive. The two rows 3, 4 willthen thereby form a composite cell structure 1, which is then located ina first position. To add to the cell structure 1, a third plurality ofelements 2 is then provided, which form a third row 5 of elements, whichis evident from FIG. 5. The third row 5 of elements 2 is suitablyparallel to the rows 3, 4 in the composite cellular structure 1. Thecell structure 1 already existing is moved a certain distance in alongitudinal direction of the first 3 and the second row 4 of elements 2so that the cellular structure 1 is moved from the first position to asecond position. An adhesive is applied to the elements 2 in at leastone of the second row 4 and the third row 5. The adhesive can be appliedin this case either before, after or at the same time as the cellularstructure 1 is moved to the second position. The third row 5 and cellstructure 1 can then be brought together with one another so that theyare thereby bonded to one another by the adhesive. The third row 5thereby becomes part of the cellular structure 1. The cell structure 1thus obtained can then be added to by a fourth row as indicated in FIG.6. It is naturally possible then to add any further number of rows ofelements 2 to the cell structure 1.

In the method according to the invention, it is the case that the secondplurality of elements 2 is best provided in that elements 2 intended toform the second plurality of elements 2 are fed in a direction parallelto the first row 3 of elements 2 until a predetermined number ofelements 2 that form a second row 4 parallel to the first is located ina predetermined position, so that the second row 4 is complete. Thebringing of elements in at least one of the two rows 3, 4 closer to theother then takes place after the second row 4 has reached itspredetermined position.

According to a particularly advantageous variant of the invention, thesecond plurality of elements is provided in that elements intended toform the second plurality of elements are fed from two opposingdirections. FIG. 4 and FIG. 6 show that the feed can be undertaken fromtwo opposing directions. FIG. 4 shows for example how a third row 5 ofelements 2 is built up while the second row 4 is being brought closer tothe first row 3. It is perceived that all rows can be built up in thesame way. The two opposing directions are both parallel to the first row3 of elements and the elements are transported until the elements 2 thatare fed in one direction meet elements 2 that have been transported inthe opposite direction and together with the elements transported fromthe other direction form a second row 4 of elements 2. The feed fromeach direction can also be interrupted after a predetermined number ofelements has been transported. It is naturally the case with allembodiments that the feed can be interrupted after a predeterminednumber of elements has been transported. The bringing of at least one ofthe two rows 3, 4 closer to the other takes place finally after thesecond row 4 has been formed.

The interruption of the feed after a predetermined number of elements 2has been transported can be achieved in the following way, for example.During feeding of the preferably circular-cylindrical elements 2,elements are allowed in both feed directions to pass a detector 6 linkedto a control unit/logic unit 7. The logic unit 7, which can consist of acomputer 7, senses how many circular-cylindrical elements 2 pass thedetector 6 and after a predetermined number of elements 2 has passed,the control unit/logic unit 7 emits a signal that the feed is to beinterrupted.

It is preferably the case that all elements 2 are uniform (have the sameshape) and that they have a circular-cylindrical shape, so that thecomposite cell structure 1 formed will consist of a plurality ofjoined—preferably glued—cylinders. The cylinders 2 can suitably consistof tube pieces 2 with a height of 5 mm to 200 mm and a diameter from 10mm to 250 mm. A suitable material for the tube pieces can be a cardboardlaminate, for example. Other materials are of course also conceivable,such as plastic, wood or metal.

The bringing together of elements in the first 3 and the second row 4 ofelements preferably takes place in that elements in the second row 4 areconveyed simultaneously towards the first row 3, so that the whole ofthe second row 4 is conveyed towards the first row 3 as a coherent unit.

When applying adhesive to elements in a row, this is best carried out asfollows. With reference to FIG. 12 a, 12 b and FIG. 21 it is shown howthe adhesive is applied to elements in that a carriage 15 provided withat least one sensor 16 and a nozzle 13 connected to a source 14 ofadhesive is guided along the row at a predetermined speed. The sensor 16is placed at a distance from the nozzle 13 and detects the presence orabsence of an element 2. The sensor 16 emits a signal to a logic unit 7when the presence of an element 2 is detected and the logic unit 7 canthen calculate, starting out from the known speed and the distancebetween the nozzle 13 and the carriage's sensor 16, the time thatremains until the nozzle 13 is located in a certain position in relationto an element detected by the sensor. The logic unit 7 can then emit apulse to activate the nozzle 13 when the time calculated has elapsed, sothat adhesive is dispensed towards the preferably circular-cylindricalelement 2 when the nozzle 13 passes this. Furthermore, it can thereby beensured that adhesive is applied to the correct part of the element 2.As shown in FIG. 12 b, the nozzle can be arranged to dispense adhesivetowards two points 25 along the circumference of a tube piece 2. Thesetwo points 25 then constitute joining points in the cellular structure1. It is perceived in this case that each circular-cylindrical elementor tube piece 2 will have four joining points 25 with surroundingelements 2, as shown in FIG. 13. The cell structure 1 will then be builtup of circular-cylindrical elements or tube pieces 2 that have sixpoints of contact with surrounding tube pieces, of which four contactpoints also constitute joining points 25, while two contact points donot constitute joining points 25, as no adhesive is applied to thesepoints.

The invention also relates to a machine for producing a cell structure 1comprising a plurality of elements 2. With reference to FIG. 14-20, itis shown how the machine according to the invention comprises a guide 8with inner walls 9 that are preferably straight and form a channel 10 inwhich a plurality of uniform elements 2 can be fed forwards. The channel10 can suitably be arranged to be fed from two different directions.

In FIG. 15, 18 and FIG. 4-6 it is shown that the machine according tothe invention can comprise a table 17 for receiving a coherent row ofelements, which table 17 has a flat working surface on which receivedelements 2 can slide. The carrier 12 is arranged in this case in such away in relation to the table 17 that the movement of the carrier 12forwards to the end position for its movement in the second directioncan convey elements from the channel 10 to the table 17 for deliveryonto the working surface of the table 17. In a preferred embodiment, thetable 17 is movable in a direction perpendicular to the direction ofmovement of the carrier 12 and parallel to the first direction.

A plate or beam 18 is suitably arranged in connection with the table 17,which plate or beam 18 is movable in a direction to and from the workingsurface of the table 17. Any positional errors with regard to individualelements 2 can thereby be corrected after two rows have been broughttogether. With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 and FIGS. 22-24, it is shownhow the beam 18 is used to correct positional errors. One or moreelements 2 have come to protrude above the rest of the cell structureduring some part of the transportation. After the carrier 12 hasdelivered a row of elements 2, the beam 18 therefore moves down to lieagainst the cell structure 1 and will thereby press down any elements 2projecting.

The machine also comprises one or more drives/driving devices 11disposed to act on elements 2 placed in the channel 10 to convey thesein a first direction, so that a coherent row of elements 2 can becarried forwards in the channel 10. With reference to FIG. 14 and FIG.17 it is shown how elements 2 are transported on a conveyor belt 26towards a guide strip 27 around which a drive belt 28 runs. When theelements 2 reach the guide strip 27 through feeding on the conveyor belt26, they will be fed by the drive belt 28 towards a guide 8 with rails,the inner walls 9 of which form a channel 10. Both the conveyor belt 26and the drive belt 28 can be driven by a common driving device 11.

As shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 and in FIG. 4-6, a carrier 12 isarranged in connection with the channel 10 and the carrier 12 has anextension that is principally parallel to the first direction. Thecarrier 12 is also movable in a second direction chiefly perpendicularto the first direction, so that the carrier 12 can move in the seconddirection and thereby take with it a coherent row of elements 2 thathave been transported in the channel 10, so that the row is transportedto an end position for movement of the carrier 12 in the seconddirection. In an advantageous embodiment (see FIG. 18, for example) theguide 8 comprises two fixed parts 20 and a movable part 21, the movablepart 21 of the guide 8 being disposed to be able to move in the verticaldirection (see FIGS. 7, 8 and 11) together with the carrier 12 from afirst position, in which the movable guide part 21 is located in a planeseparate from the working surface of the table, to a second position inwhich at least a part of the movable guide part 21 is located on a levelwith the working surface of the table 17. The movable guide part 21comprises a support 22, on which elements for the cellular structure 1can be placed, which support 22 form is a floor in the channel 10 andthe support 22 can be adjusted in the vertical direction, so thatelements of different height can be placed in the correct position inrelation to the carrier 12. With reference to FIG. 25 a, it is showndiagrammatically how circular-cylindrical elements of a certain heightare received in the movable control part 21. With reference to FIG. 25b, it shall now be explained how elements of a lower height are handled.To receive elements 2 of a different height, a spacer 29 is used to liftthe support 22 that forms the floor in the channel. It is therebyensured that the carrier 12 continues to be in the correct position inrelation to the elements 2 in the channel, in spite of the fact that theheight of the elements 2 is now lower.

As shown in FIG. 12, the machine is best provided with at least onenozzle 13 that is connected to a source 14 of adhesive. The nozzle 13 isdisposed to be movable in a direction parallel to the first directionand is either arranged to apply adhesive to a row of elements 2 that hasjust been conveyed to the end position, or to apply adhesive to a row ofelements 2 before these have begun to be conveyed towards the endposition by the carrier 12. The nozzle 13 can thus move along a coherentgroup of elements 2 and apply adhesive to these.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one sensor 6 islocated connected to the channel 10 and disposed to detect the elementstransported in the channel 10 as shown in FIGS. 18-21. The sensor 6 issuitably connected in this case to the driving device 11—for example viaa logic unit 7—so that the transportation of elements 2 can beinterrupted when a predetermined number of elements 2 has passed thesensor 6.

The machine is preferably provided with a stand 19, on which a carriage15 is arranged movably in connection with the working surface of thetable 17, see FIG. 21. The nozzle 13 is arranged on the carriage 15 sothat on movement of the carriage 15 the nozzle 13 can be guided along arow of elements 2 standing on the working surface of the table 17. Thecarriage 15 is provided here with at least one sensor 16 that can detectthe presence of an element placed on the table 17. The sensor 16 isplaced at a distance from the nozzle 13 in the direction of movement ofthe carriage. The carriage 15 preferably has two sensors 16. Thecarriage 15 can be driven at a predetermined speed and the machineincludes a logic unit 7 that knows the predetermined speed and thedistance between the sensor or sensors 16 and the nozzle 13 of thecarriage 15. The logic unit 7 is also connected to the sensor 16 of thecarriage 15, so that while the carriage 15 is moving the logic unit 7can calculate the time remaining before the nozzle 13 is located in acertain position in relation to an element 2 detected by the sensor 16.

The machine operates in the following way. When the drive 11 isactivated, elements 2 are carried by the conveyor belt 26 towards thedrive belt 28, which pushes the elements into the channel 10. Due to thepressure from elements coming from behind, the elements 2 are carriedforwards in the channel 10. The elements 2 will thus pass the detector6, which will emit a signal to the logic unit 7 for each element 2 thatpasses. When a predetermined number of elements 2 has passed thedetector 6, the logic unit 7 will order the drive 11 to stop. Feedingthen ceases. The predetermined number of elements 2 is the numberrequired to fill the movable guide part 21. Feeding is thus interruptedwhen the channel 10 of the movable guide part 21 is full ofcircular-cylindrical elements or tube pieces 2. The detectors 6 can belocated in either the movable guide part 21 or in one of the fixed guideparts 20 or in both the movable guide part 21 and the fixed guide parts20. If it is elected to place detectors 6 in the movable guide part 21,however, it is not necessary to count passing elements. One or moredetectors 6 can be placed instead connected to the centre of the channel10 of the movable guide part 21. The detector or detectors 6 then detectquite easily that circular-cylindrical elements 2 have reached thecentre of the channel 10 from both feed directions. The logic unit 7that is connected to the detectors 6 can then draw the conclusion thatthe channel 10 of the movable guide part 21 is completely full andinterrupt the feed of new elements 2. It is of course possible to letthe logic unit 7 both count the elements 2 that pass a detector 6 andalso detect whether the channel 10 of the movable guide part is full.

When the channel 10 of the movable guide part 21 is full and feeding hasbeen made to stop, the movable guide part 21 and the carrier 12 arelocated somewhat below the level of the table 17. By means of liftingdevices that are not shown, for example hydraulic or pneumaticcylinders, the guide part 21 is lifted together with the carrier 12 upto a level where the floor of the guide part is on a level with theworking surface of the table 17. The actuating device 30 now pushes thecarrier 12 in over the working surface of the table 17. A row 4 ofcircular-cylindrical elements 2 will thereby be conveyed by the carrier12 in onto the working surface of the table 17. It may now be assumedthat a preceding row 3 of circular-cylindrical elements 2 has alreadybeen delivered onto the working surface of the table 17 in a precedingwork step. While the new row 4 was being transported, the followinghappened. The carriage 15 conveyed the nozzle 13 along the row 3, thecarriage sensors 16 detecting the presence of elements 2 in the row 3.The nozzle 13 sprayed adhesive at two points on each element 2. Inaddition, the table 17 was moved a distance in a direction parallel tothe feed direction of elements 2 in the channel 10. The table 17 wasmoved in this case a distance that is half the diameter of one of thecircular-cylindrical elements. The row 3 is thereby displaced in phase.In principle, phase displacement can also be obtained by selecting adifferent distance, but not movement by a distance that constitutes awhole diameter of a circular-cylindrical element or a whole number ofcylinder diameters.

The preceding row 3 is then displaced in phase in relation to the nextrow 4 that is delivered onto the table and the elements 2 in thepreceding row 3 have also been provided with adhesive, for example aglue. When the carrier 12 conveys the new row 4 towards the precedingrow 3, the new row 4 is conveyed to lie close to the preceding row 3 andis bonded to this by the adhesive that has been applied to the elements2 in the preceding row 3. The new row 4 will also push the preceding row3 backwards across the table 17. The new row 4 and the preceding row 3now form a composite cell structure 1.

The carrier 12 will then be retracted at the same time as the beam 18 ismade to execute a working stroke downwards and move down to lie close tothe cell structure 1. Elements 2 that stick up from the cell structure 1will then be pressed down into the correct position. The levelling beam18 then travels up again. During this time the carrier 12 has beenretracted to its position in connection with the channel 10. The movableguide part 21 now moves down to the feed position, whereupon a newworking cycle can be started. New elements 2 are carried forwards in thechannel 10 and the carriage 15 will move along the new row 4 in the cellstructure 1 and adhesive will be applied to the elements 2 in the newrow 4. Furthermore, the table 17 will again be moved by a certaindistance, but in the opposite direction to the preceding movement of thetable 17, so that the table 17 returns to its previous position. It isthereby ensured that the newly coated row 4 will be displaced in phasein relation to the next row 5.

A quick and operationally reliable way of producing cell structures isoffered by the invention. If feeding from two directions is used, theadvantage is obtained that the cycle times are lower. Due to the factthat the level of the floor of the channel can be adjusted, theadvantage is achieved that tube pieces of different height can be used.By using a levelling beam, the advantage is achieved that an incorrectposition of elements forming part of the cell structure can becorrected.

Due to the fact that the carriage with the nozzle is provided withsensors linked to a logic unit, the advantage is achieved that adhesivecan be placed on the elements in the desired position. The consumptionof adhesive is also reduced thereby. If the table is arranged movably,the advantage is achieved that all elements in a row can be displaced inphase easily in relation to the next row. If the feed is controlled by alogic unit linked to sensors, the advantage is achieved that the feedcan be interrupted automatically. If a whole row is moved towards apreceding row as a coherent unit, the advantage is achieved that theproduction process is quicker than if elements are moved singly. Ifdetectors are placed in the movable guide part, the advantage isachieved that the feed can be controlled according to whether thechannel is full.

As the channel is not locked at the same height as the table, but can beraised and lowered, space is provided for the nozzle.

1. Method for making a cellular structure comprising a plurality ofuniform hollow circular-cylindrical elements having an open end, whichmethod comprises the following steps: a) providing a first plurality ofuniform hollow circular-cylindrical elements standing on an open end andparallel to one another, which for a first row of elements; b) providinga second plurality of the uniform hollow circular-cylindrical elementsstanding on an open end and parallel to one another, which form a secondrow of elements, the second row containing as many elements as the firstrow and being parallel to the first row but displaced by a certaindistance in its longitudinal direction in relation to the first row,which distance is less than the extension of one of the uniform elementsin the longitudinal direction of the two rows; c) applying an adhesiveto the elements in at least one of the two rows; d) bringing at leastone of the two rows closer to the other so that the two rows are broughttogether and thereby bonded to one another by the adhesive, wherein thesecond plurality of elements is provided in that elements intended toform the second plurality of elements are fed from two oppositedirections, which opposite directions are both parallel to the first rowof elements, the elements being transported until the elements that arefed in one direction meet elements that have been transported in theopposite direction and together with the elements transported from theother direction form a second row of elements, and the bringing of atleast one of the two rows closer to the other taking place after thesecond row has been formed.
 2. Method for making a cellular structurecomprising a plurality of uniform hollow circular-cylindrical elementshaving an open end, which method comprises the following steps: a)providing a first plurality of uniform hollow circular-cylindricalelements standing on an open end and parallel to one another, which fora first row of elements; b) providing a second plurality of the uniformhollow circular-cylindrical elements standing on an open end andparallel to one another, which form a second row of elements, whichsecond row is parallel to the first row; c) applying an adhesive to theelements in at least one of the two rows; d) bringing at least one ofthe two rows closer to the other so that the two rows are broughttogether and thereby bonded to one another by the adhesive so that thetwo rows thereby form a composite cellular structure, which cellularstructure is then located in a first position, wherein the secondplurality of elements is provided in that elements intended to form thesecond plurality of elements are fed from two opposite directions, whichopposite directions are both parallel to the first row of elements, theelements being transported until the elements that are fed in onedirection meet elements that have been transported in the oppositedirection and together with the elements transported from the otherdirection form a second row of elements, and the bringing of at leastone of the two rows closer to the other taking place after the secondrow has been formed; e) providing a third plurality of the hollowcircular-cylindrical uniform elements standing on an open end andparallel to one another, which form a third row of elements, which thirdrow of elements is parallel to the first and second rows in thecomposite cellular structure; f) moving the cellular structure a certaindistance in the longitudinal direction of the first and the second rowof elements, so that the cellular structure is moved from the firstposition to a second position; g) applying an adhesive to the elementsin at least one of the second row and third row, the adhesive beingapplied either before, after or at the same time as the cellularstructure is moved to the second position; h) bringing the third row andthe cellular structure together with one another so that they arethereby bonded to one another by the adhesive, due to which the thirdrow becomes part of the cellular structure, wherein the third pluralityof elements is provided in that elements intended to form the thirdplurality of elements are fed from two opposite directions, whichopposite directions are both parallel to the first and second row ofelements, the elements being transported until the elements that are fedin one direction meet elements that have been transported in theopposite direction and together with the elements transported from theother direction form a third row of elements, and the bringing of atleast one of the third row and the cellular structure closer to theother taking place after the third row has been formed.
 3. Method formaking a cellular structure comprising a plurality of uniform hollowcircular-cylindrical elements having an open end, which method comprisesthe following steps: a) providing a first plurality of uniform hollowcircular-cylindrical elements standing on an open end and parallel toone another, which for a first row of elements; b) providing a secondplurality of the uniform hollow circular-cylindrical elements standingon an open end and parallel to one another, which forms a second row ofelements; c) applying an adhesive to the elements in at least one of thetwo rows; d) bringing the elements in at least one of the two rowscloser to the other so that the two rows are brought together andthereby bonded to one another by the adhesive to form a cellularstructure thereby, wherein the second plurality of elements is providedin that elements intended to form the second plurality of elements arefed from two opposite directions, which opposite directions are bothparallel to the first row of elements, the elements being transporteduntil the elements that are fed in one direction meet elements that havebeen transported in the opposite direction and together with theelements transported from the other direction form a second row ofelements, and the bringing of at least one of the two rows closer to theother taking place after the second row has been formed.
 4. Methodaccording to claim 3, wherein the second plurality of elements isprovided in that elements intended to form the second plurality ofelements are fed in a direction parallel to the first row of elementsuntil a predetermined number of elements, which form a second rowparallel to the first, are located in a predetermined position, so thatthe second row is complete and the bringing of the elements in at leastone of the two rows closer to the other taking place after the secondrow has reached its predetermined position.
 5. Method according to claim3, wherein the feed from each direction is interrupted after apredetermined number of elements has been transported.
 6. Methodaccording to claim 4, wherein the feed is interrupted after apredetermined number of elements has been transported.
 7. Methodaccording to claim 4, wherein all elements have the same shape and thatthey have a circular-cylindrical shape.
 8. Method for making a cellularstructure comprising a plurality of uniform hollow circular-cylindricalelements having an open end, which method comprises the following steps:a) providing a first plurality of uniform hollow circular-cylindricalelements standing on an open end and parallel to one another, which fora first row of elements; b) providing a second plurality of the uniformhollow circular-cylindrical elements standing on an open end andparallel to one another, which form a second row of elements, whichsecond row is parallel to the first row but displaced in phase inrelation to the first row; c) applying an adhesive to the elements in atleast one of the two rows; d) bringing the elements in at least one ofthe two rows closer to the other so that the two rows are broughttogether and thereby bonded to one another by the adhesive to therebyform a composite cellular structure, wherein the second plurality ofelements is provided in that elements intended to form the secondplurality of elements are fed from two opposite directions, whichopposite directions are both parallel to the first row of elements, theelements being transported until the elements that are fed in onedirection meet elements that have been transported in the oppositedirection and together with the elements transported from the otherdirection form a second row of elements, and the bringing of at leastone of the two rows closer to the other taking place after the secondrow has been formed.
 9. Method according to claim 8, wherein a thirdplurality of elements is provided, the elements in the third pluralityof elements having the same shape as the elements in the first and thesecond plurality and forming a third row of elements, which third row ofelements is parallel to the rows in the composite cellular structure,that the composite cellular structure is moved a certain distance in thelongitudinal direction of the first and second rows of elements from afirst position of the composite cellular structure to a second position,that an adhesive is applied to the elements in at least one of thesecond row and the third row, the adhesive being applied either before,after or at the same time as the cellular structure is moved to thesecond position and in that the third row and the cellular structurefollowing movement of the cellular structure and application of theadhesive are brought together with one another so they are therebybonded to one another by the adhesive, due to which the third rowbecomes a part of the composite cellular structure.
 10. Method accordingto claim 8, wherein the feed from each direction is interrupted after apredetermined number of elements has been transported and that thesecond row and the first row are brought together with one another afterthe feed has been interrupted.
 11. Method according to claim 10, whereinthe bringing together of the elements in the first and the second row ofelements takes place in that the elements in the second row are conveyedsimultaneously towards the first row so that the whole of the second rowis conveyed towards the first row as a coherent unit.
 12. Methodaccording to claim 11, wherein during feeding of thecircular-cylindrical elements, the elements are allowed in both feeddirections to pass a detector linked to a control unit and it isrecognized in this way how many circular-cylindrical elements pass thedetector and that after a predetermined number of elements has passed,the logic unit emits a signal that the feed is to be interrupted. 13.Method according to claim 8, wherein adhesive is applied to the elementsin a row in that a carriage provided with at least one sensor and anozzle connected to a source of adhesive is guided along the row at apredetermined speed, the sensor being placed at a distance from thenozzle and detecting the presence or absence of an element and emittinga signal to a logic unit when the presence of an element is detected,and the logic unit, starting out from the known speed and the distancebetween the nozzle and the sensor of the carriage, calculates the timethat remains until the nozzle is located in a certain position inrelation to an element detected by the sensor and sends a pulse toactivate the nozzle when the time calculated has elapsed.